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hCG Diet Review: Does it Work?

A controversial diet that calls for hormone injections.

What is it?

The hCG Diet is a weight loss plan offering a hormone that is said to reset metabolism during a very low calorie diet. The actual hCG hormone is only available via prescription, but different brands will offer a supplement version as well.

The same basic principles exist for whatever company that sells this hormone, one has to limit calories to just 500 a day. Often the hCG hormone is made available via a vial, which can be drank or injected. It claims to offer fast and effective weight loss. Our experts have reviewed countless diets and found the 18Shake Diet offers the best all-around weight loss solution. It’s made up of a natural weight loss diet pill and a meal replacement. They combine to offer hours of appetite suppression as well as fat burning. Discover more information on the 18Shake Diet via the link provided here.

hCGDiet Ingredients and Side Effects

The actual hormone used stands for human chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone made by the embryo. Often companies will make an animal or synthetic version of this. It is created during pregnancy when a fetus needs protection.

It’s also been used to regulate normal testosterone function, and it has since been banned by many sports organizations.

The official diet was created by an endocrinologist named Albert T.W. Simeons, who believed that a 500 calorie diet alongside this hormone would result in weight loss without there being muscle loss. The American Society of BariatricPhysicians had this to say:

“There is no scientific evidence that HCG is effective in the treatment of obesity”

“insufficient evidence supporting the claims that HCG is effective in altering fat-distribution, hunger reduction, or in inducing a feeling of well-being”

EDITOR’S TIP: Combine this diet with a proven meal replacement such as 18 Shake for better results.

hCGDiet Qualityof Ingredients

The sole active ingredient is a growth hormone that the FDA has banned due to safety concerns. The 500 calorie limit a day diet is also not recommended, as health organizations do not consider than a safe weight loss solution. It will likely reduce weight since one is receiving so few calories, but this can lead to side effects and a loss of muscle. It’s also highly likely that which such a low of calories allowed, that there will be nutritional deficiencies.

Since you cannot receive the actual hormone for weight loss, it’s no longer accepted as a solution for weight loss. It’s also only available via prescription, and only to treat fertility issues but not for weight loss. Using them for other reasons not specific can be potentially dangerous, especially when using the 500 calorie a day diet. Web MD has this to say:

“uncomfortable to live on just 500 calories a day, it can be dangerous”

“It’s impossible to meet all your nutritional needs on so few calories”

One would have to supplement with some sort of vitamin and mineral complex to help support the body. Still, restricting calories this much is often only advised for people under strict watch of a medical professional.

Any type of extreme calorie reduction will likely result in some sort of weight loss benefit, but it’s not considered a safe or long term solution.

The Price and Quality of hCG Diet

The hormone is no longer available for prescription use, and any brands selling it are distributing an illegal product not recognized by the FDA.

It’s unknown what the price is as sales of it are meant only for women with fertility issues. The FDA has since sent at least 6 warning letters to companies who sell and market this hormone for weight loss. There are some companies that use the same name of hCG, but instead offer a mix of amino acids which are legal but not same. However, these businesses are using the popularity of this name to promote their own products.

“Side effects have also been reported with the HCG diet and include fatigue, irritability, restlessness, depression, fluid buildup, and swelling of the breasts”

It’s because of this that they say:

“there are safer ways to lose weight”

The overall risks make this a very low quality weight loss strategy. As you’ll read in the “Customer Opinions of hCG Diet”, many people who used it for weight loss have described it as a poor solution.

Business of hCG Diet

Any businesses that sell this diet plan are in violation of the FDA’s policies for safe products. It’s not considered to be a useful hormone for weight loss. Medpage Today adds that business who still sold this were in violation and that:

“the FDA and FTC threatened to forcibly halt their operations”

A spokesperson for the FDA added:

“is not FDA approved, it cannot be sold legally”

Any business one might find that market this diet plan are illegally selling a potentially harmful product. There’s far too much at risk, and any sales of this will often only be for fertility, not for weight loss. Any recommendations made for weight loss are illegal, and should be of concern as this can result in a fine.

Customer Opinions of hCG Diet

There are very few reviews available since this diet plan has been banned since 2011 by the FDA. Here are some select quotes from some users:

“My blood pressure shot up, flushed skin… very scary”

“I felt terrible: headaches daily, weakness, dizziness, nauseated”

“Would not recommend this to anyone”

“have horrible leg cramps and I’m hungry all the time”

There were people who mentioned that they didn’t notice any reliable weight loss, and that they had to quit the diet early due to side effects. This includes symptoms such as headaches, restlessness, fatigue, mood swings, inability to relax, migraines, flushed skin, dizziness, stomach pain, nausea, and much more.

There were some that did see a change in weight, but they also add how they quickly regained it as soon as a regular diet was consumed. People were also concerned with the 500 calorie limit, since there was no additional support on how to maintain this extreme limit. This is why it will often require medical support for those reducing calories to 1,000 or less.

Conclusion - Does hCG Diet Work?

The hCG Diet is a now defunct solution for weight loss that has since been banned by the FDA. It’s made up of a hormone and it suggests reducing calories to just 500 a day. There are studies which have shown even when it was legal, that using this plan was not effective and potentially unsafe. This is why it is now banned and seen as a potentially dangerous weight loss diet. The majority of users that tried it before the FDA 2011 ban did mention it was poor, and that it left them hungry, with side effects, and without any weight loss.

Our experts have found that the most overall effective solution for weight loss is the 18Shake Diet. It’s made up of a meal replacement shake and a stimulant free diet pill. The benefits include appetite suppression, increased metabolism, boosted fat burning, improved mood, and many other benefits. Customers often say it’s a potent formula, and testimonials and reviews are available on their official website. There are no added fillers, stimulants, binders, artificial colors, artificial flavors, or cheap ingredients added to either the meal replacement or diet pill.

User Feedback

(Page 5 of 25, 484 total comments)

Bri

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My name is Sabrina Lee and I lost v95 pounds on the HCG Protocol. My daughter lost 119 pounds so far. We have both done 4 rounds. I am registered nurse and I served 14 years in the Army as a field nurse and have been nursing for over 24 years. I currently reside in Stockbridge, Georgia. Atlanta HCG Weight Loss Group was created by me, after accidentally being introduced to HCG through a local physician. After 2-3 months of research and over 80 pounds I wanted to loose, I realized that it would cost me a lot of money to do several rounds of Pharmaceutical grade HCG.

I completed my first round without the level of personal support that a friend or family member can provide and I was afraid to tell my family what I was doing.

After doing it alone and realizing how big of an impact the weight loss had on my life, I decided to find a way to offer lower cost and better support to my family and friends. I decided to offer the type of support and love that I wanted, but didn't have. My daughter (LaDawna) and I ended up starting a weight loss business after our client/family numbered over 600 with a few celebrities in tow. We have a physician and consultant pharmacist on staff and education and support is our number one priority.
You can view our before and after photos on our web page at:

I'm waiting to try out these HCG diet drops, I found them at http://sexyurl.co/HGCdietDrops

posted Oct 21st, 2011 9:56 pm

sarah

I want to share the wonderful experience I had with the HCG diet. It has completely changed my life. I have always been a heavier set girl and I always struggled to ditch the poundage. Recently, I had the lucky privilege of meeting Dr. Stacey Kupperman at a dinner party. As the night went on she made mention that she had helped lots of people lose weight and maintain it. I made an appointment right away. It was the first day of the rest of my life.
Dr. Kupperman is a Naturopath and has two office locations in Los Angeles. She was so amazing to me throughout the entire process. She walked me through the diet step by step and made something that stands as an enormous challenge become easy and doable.
I am blessed in that I was given a beautiful figure. I have great curves and all the perfect definitions a woman could want. When I began the diet I weighed 171 pounds. My curves were rolls and my body was just puffy and round. When I finished my 21 days I weighed 154 pounds and my body was slamming. It has been 5 months since then and I still look amazing.
I feel so comfortable in my body! I wasnâ??t sure I even knew what that meant before I met Dr. Kupperman. I know I look good and its amazing to get great feed back from people. My curves are defined and my belly is flat. I owe a life time of thanks to Dr. Kupperman. If only she knew what a difference she has made in my life.

Here is Dr. Kuppermans info... if you live in the Los Angeles area or somewhat near.. look her up.
DrKupperman@gmail.com

posted Oct 15th, 2011 6:24 pm

Natalie

I have done it three timnes and all three times had a great success. I'm planning to do my 4th round again.

posted Oct 14th, 2011 11:13 am

Stefanie

I have been on the diet 5 days and lost 6 lbs. Im not really hungry during the day and I actually feel like I have more energy during the day. I found alot of good information on youtube actually. There is a women who helped me her youtube user name is Blondeambition. Her story is amazing and she tells you where to get your HCG from and how to mix what you need. Look her up. If you have the hemopathic drops test on a pregnancy test to see if they are real!! Good luck!

posted Oct 1st, 2011 8:23 am

sky

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Can rapid weight loss cause loose skin?
I'm 23 years old and was curious about this. I would like to loose 20 lbs. I'm 5'1 and 147lb I have been eating 1200 a day but the weight loss has been slow... My main question is will you gain the weight back after being done?!?! Can anyone point me in the right direction of more information. And have anyone had any problems with loose skin. I heard that's how people usually get loose skin by rapid weight loss.

I have been on this "diet" since June and have lost 52 pounds. I just recently had my yearly checkup and my doctor says I am the healthiest he has seen me in 20 years. What they say in this article is a load of crap! If you do the drops and CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN FIRST you will have great success. It is not really a diet, but a change in lifestyle

posted Sep 29th, 2011 1:02 pm

Dennis

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Anytime you limit yourself to 500 calories a day you will lose weight as long as you burn off more than you intake. For 500 Calories that is a breeze. People look for an easy way to lose weight without putting in any effort. This is still on trial, nobody knows the long term side effects this may have, but just like most Americans you don't mind putting more poison into your bodies.

posted Sep 29th, 2011 12:58 pm

nanalatina27

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i just want to know, im on sytroid med cant i take the HCG drops? does any body know?
About HCG drops and diet

I was on this weight loss program for 5 yrs on and off.. i developed fibroid cyst depression, anxiety bone loss and weigh gain that is really hard to get rid of.

posted Sep 20th, 2011 8:57 pm

sasha

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I am on day 3 of this diet and it is working so far down 2 pounds! My mom just lost 60 pounds on it and looks and feels amazing. She now sells it, if you are looking to buy make sure you dont buy the synthetic stuff but teh real deal. She got ripped off on a couple sites and they sent her water! I am not sure where she gets it now but she sells it for $60 for the bottle and a full binder with menu ideas and the history behind it.

posted Sep 20th, 2011 8:49 pm

Tom Benson

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I lost 25 pounds in 40 days on the HCG diet with no sideaffects.

posted Sep 17th, 2011 1:53 pm

Dawanti Motilall

I HAT THIS DIET IT IS A RIP OFF I WAS GETTING HEADACHES THEN I WAS CHARGED 89.95 AND WAS NOT EVEN AWARE. IT WAS AS TRIAL SIZE FOR 4.95

posted Sep 14th, 2011 10:15 am

Britney

Somebody please tell me the official website where I can buy these Drops.I really want to buy the original ones.

posted Sep 11th, 2011 9:39 am

SteVenus

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This was the best fast acting diet I've ever been on. I took the injections & lost 35lbs in 30 days. No side affects and maintaining my weight. No more cravings. Makes you aware of your calories when going out to eat. Best place to purchase is at a vetinarians office. Farmers use it widely for animals that are breeding. Go for it. Dont be scared. You'll thank yourself later.

posted Sep 10th, 2011 6:19 am

kim goodwin

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I lost 20 pounds in 26 days. I am so excited and you lose in places that you don't nomally lose in too. I went from a 14 to 1 10 a loose 14 to most 10's. I feel so much better about myself i 26 days. I am a dairy carb lover but this made me crave nothing and I wasn't hungry. It had such great success so fast that it kept you motivated to follow it fully. You can't mess up on this diet or you will gain so fast so follow it and you will be amazed.

posted Sep 9th, 2011 12:57 pm

Kent

My sister did this diet, and it put her in the emergency room. It is nothing but dangerous malnutrition wrapped up in a bunch of fake science.

My advice is Don't even THINK about doing HCG!

posted Sep 2nd, 2011 4:53 pm

Jolynn

I am on the first day of the diet after the load. Going good so far, I have had a craving for carbs, but I hear that the first few days are the hardest. I am taking hcg pills that disolve under the tongue in a few seconds and taste like mints. I haven't had any weird side affects like feeling cracked out like I have with other "diet" pills. I'm hoping to have the same results as others who have posted. The diet is strict and cuts a lot of vegetables I eat normally such as peppers and squash. That part will probably be hard not cheat on. I get my pills from a local weight loss center.

posted Aug 24th, 2011 4:42 pm

michelle

where can i get the real hcg drops that actually works and what does the drops taste like?

posted Aug 23rd, 2011 10:39 am

Debbi

Have been on hcg diet for 1 week lost 9.2 lbs. Have no cravings of carbs, sugars or salt. Eating healthy. At 5'11 was not going to submit to just 500 cal a day.so eating about 800 and still doing yoga and surfing.I look at it as a lifestyle change not just a diet.

A potential diet supplement administered through injections or oral drops, the hCG Diet is a very controversial weight loss method. HCG stands for the hormone Human Choriogonadotropin, which is the same hormone that is produced by women in their early stages of pregnancy.

During pregnancy, the surge of this hormone signals the hypothalamus in the brain to start moving nutrients and fat into the placenta. When used as part of a weight loss program, it is the fat-mobilization aspects of the hormone that has garnered attention for its seeming ability to help facilitate weight loss.

Even though the FDA has approved hCG shots for fertility reasons, there is no scientific evidence that shows the hCG Diet can significantly promote weight loss. Although it is used in conjunction with a very low calorie diet, any weight loss that occurs is likely to be due to the reduced caloric intake rather than the hCG shots or drops themselves.

Many side effects have been shown in those who take hCG shots for weight loss. Blood clots, depression, headaches and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in women have all been cited as common, and even deadly, side effects associated with hCG use. HCG drops avoid the inconveniences of a daily injection, but no clinical studies have been conducted to determine if hCG drops have any change in side effects.

Typically, the hCG Diet lasts for three weeks and is monitored by a health professional.

PRO

May promote weight loss when used in combination with a reduced calorie diet

CON

Not considered safe

Weight loss is more likely to due to extremely restricted caloric intake rather than injections or drops

Weight loss is temporary

Side effects can be very serious. According to the Mayo Clinic, side affects associated with hCG include fatigue, irritability, headache and male breast enlargement.

An injection of 125 iu of hCG is administered daily or a daily dose of oral drops.

DIET and EXERCISE

Those who use hCG injections to lose weight must also follow a very strict diet that amounts to no more than 500 calories a day.

For the first two days of the injection you are allowed to eat excessively. Following the third injection, you must adhere to the 500-calorie diet until 72 hours following the last injection given. Sugars, very sweet fruits, processed foods and heavy starches are not allowed.

Breakfast: Coffee or tea with artificial sweetener and one tablespoon of milk. Lunch is 100 grams of lean meat, poultry or fish in addition to one low-glycemic vegetable like spinach, celery, cucumbers or cabbage. One Melba toast and one fruit like half of a grapefruit or an apple is also allowed.

Dinner is the same as lunch.

In addition, shots of apple cider vinegar can be taken as a daily supplement. Products and make-up that contain any fatty substances like mineral oil or almond oil cannot be used.

The hCG Diet is highly regimented and a very controversial weight loss program that involves the administration of either hormone injections or oral drops coupled with a very low-calorie diet. Popular amongst steroid users and those daring and desperate to lose weight quickly, the hCG Diet is not a weight loss program that is readily endorsed by health and medical professionals for its obvious flaws and real risks for dangerous side effects.

The information provided within this site is strictly for the purposes of information only and is not a replacement or substitute for professional advice, doctors visit or treatment. The provided content on this site should serve, at most, as a companion to a professional consult. It should under no circumstance replace the advice of your primary care provider. You should always consult your primary care physician prior to starting any new fitness, nutrition or weight loss regime.